📚 Our Book Picks for the Week of Jan. 10th
🔎 The Courtesan of Constantinople by Tina Holland
🖤 Blaze by Delaney Foster
🐺 Curse of Vengeance by CR Robertson
🧚 Midnight Fae Academy: Book Three by Lexi C. Foss
🗡️ He Sees You When You're Sleeping by Sara Dobie Bauer
☃️ Sleigh Bride by Xavier Neal
See all of our reviews and recommendations
The Courtesan of Constantinople by Tina HollandDescription:
Laurel Gunn’s freedom and body were traded for queen and country following her husband’s death on the battlefield. Laurel is a courtesan, a spy, and a fae. Like most Fae, she is not free.
Our Thoughts 💭:
A fantastical blend of history (a bit twisted but still 👀) suspense, romance, and fantasyThis is a new author for me and I will admit it took me a few chapters to adapt to her writing style. I wasn't sure if I missed a previous book or not. Either way, the first chapter had my curiosity piqued and I was determined to know the who's, what's and why's!
I really enjoyed the world the author crafted. She took bits and pieces from mankind's history and rearranged them to create possibilities that were quite believable. She used not only human history but bits of mythology and legend as well.
Laurel was the main character but for me, each character brought an important element to the overall story. A bit like a holmes story you needed all the characters to make the puzzle complete.
Plenty of misleading hints that sent me down the incorrect path multiple times. I was a bit shocked when the who(s) was unveiled.
I do wish there had been a touch more meat? Detail?
I understood what was going on but I wanted, at times needed more...
I have always been greedy that way with my adventures
This has plenty of subterfuge - everyone was spying for someone.
A touch of romance - for me it felt more backburner than front and center.
And the magic of fantasy
I did read a comp copy so I ignored any grammatical and scene issues.
I'm hoping our little "family" will continue their adventures *hint hint*
#TheCourtesanofConstantinople #Historical #Paranormal #RomanticSuspense #Steampunk #VictorianRomance #TinaHolland
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Blaze by Delaney Foster
Dear lawd that man makes my ovaries cry out with need!
Sure a couple of times I wanted to lock him in a closet for a time out but the other 95% of the time?
He had my heart 💖 and soul.
"sometimes… the best thing to do is take their broken pieces and put them with your own and build something completely new."
This has it all!
A strong story that grabbed me from the beginning and drew me in and kept me!
A solid cast both the main characters and the supporting played such significant roles in the story
Just the right amount of angst - not so much I was drowning in my tears but enough that I required tissue on a couple of occasions
All that delivered in a steamy 🔥 melt your heart romance that will leave its mark long after you close the pages
"And it wasn’t tragic. It was beautiful. Because we took our broken pieces and we put them back together the way we wanted to. We made each other whole. For the first time in my life, I am whole."
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Blaze by Delaney FosterDescription:
In my life there were three inexplicable truths: My world revolved around my job at House of Hope and the five foster boys who lived there, the past was like a ghost always lurking in the shadows, and fairy tales were a crock of sh*t.
Then I met Blaze Abbott—the tall, dark and dangerous owner of the brewery that one of my boys just set on fire.
Our Thoughts 💭:
It wasn't tragic - it was beautifulDear lawd that man makes my ovaries cry out with need!
Sure a couple of times I wanted to lock him in a closet for a time out but the other 95% of the time?
He had my heart 💖 and soul.
"sometimes… the best thing to do is take their broken pieces and put them with your own and build something completely new."
This has it all!
A strong story that grabbed me from the beginning and drew me in and kept me!
A solid cast both the main characters and the supporting played such significant roles in the story
Just the right amount of angst - not so much I was drowning in my tears but enough that I required tissue on a couple of occasions
All that delivered in a steamy 🔥 melt your heart romance that will leave its mark long after you close the pages
"And it wasn’t tragic. It was beautiful. Because we took our broken pieces and we put them back together the way we wanted to. We made each other whole. For the first time in my life, I am whole."
#Blaze #Contemporary #Romance #DrivenWorld #kindleunlimited #DelaneyFoster
Amazon
Curse of Vengeance by CR Robertson
I know I have said this before but this is a must-read series for fantasy/paranormal fans
The world-building? Phenomenal
The storyline? Magical
The characters? 💞 Enchanting
Lycidas' story brings our Dark Prince series to a close - Maybe?
In the last episode, Lycidas stumbled across Aurelia and the pull was there he just could not place why.
OMG wait for it!!!
I sooooo do not want to give away her witchy power or all the secrets she has kept.
I will say I was a bit upset with the witches when certain things were revealed and I am soooooo thankful Lycidas saw past the prejudices.
OOOOHHHH and Mr. Tall Dark and Leathery? I want his story!!!
I have said it before and I will say it again
If you enjoy action, adventure, mythical creatures, strong plotlines,
solid characters that easily worm their way into your heart,
protagonists that make your skin crawl,
Oh and let us not forget the romance
This is the series for you! Promise it is worth trading your morning coffee for...
Curse of Vengeance by CR RobertsonDescription:
The evil Queen Ophelia cursed the princes of Purgatory to claim their magic. Only their fated witch mate can save them, but a blood sacrifice is required that demands the highest emotional cost.
Our Thoughts 💭:
One of this year's best Fantasy Romance series!I know I have said this before but this is a must-read series for fantasy/paranormal fans
The world-building? Phenomenal
The storyline? Magical
The characters? 💞 Enchanting
Lycidas' story brings our Dark Prince series to a close - Maybe?
In the last episode, Lycidas stumbled across Aurelia and the pull was there he just could not place why.
OMG wait for it!!!
I sooooo do not want to give away her witchy power or all the secrets she has kept.
I will say I was a bit upset with the witches when certain things were revealed and I am soooooo thankful Lycidas saw past the prejudices.
OOOOHHHH and Mr. Tall Dark and Leathery? I want his story!!!
I have said it before and I will say it again
If you enjoy action, adventure, mythical creatures, strong plotlines,
solid characters that easily worm their way into your heart,
protagonists that make your skin crawl,
Oh and let us not forget the romance
This is the series for you! Promise it is worth trading your morning coffee for...
#CurseofVengeance #DarkPrinces #ParanormalRomance #Shifters #Witches #CRRobertson
Amazon
Midnight Fae Academy: Book Three by Lexi C. Foss
My heart is racing My mind spinning!
Chit, what a ride!
"Retribution requires sacrifice"
The ultimate in this case -
It is a bit like the butterfly effect
Before I go further if you're here I am going to assume you have already read the first two books in this series.
If you haven't...
Off you go! Don't want to spoil anything for you and trust me this is one adventure you won't want to miss.
So back to my racing heart-
Holy cow I can't believe what just happened!
I thought they were playing a dangerous game before
I knew some of the key antagonists from the previous books but there is a new player or maybe just an old one (or two or three) that I failed to see?
The game just took a much darker turn
Be prepared for some heart-shattering moments
brought on by twisted acts of greed
followed up by moments of hope
only to be crushed again under a fiery veil of darkness
I knew Shade got the short straw but here?
Heart cracked -
River of tears flowing with sorrow.
I wanted to grab him and hide him.
Erase the ghosts of the lives he had suffered through
And Kol's - I don't have words for the brutal betrayals you are about to face but I will say you have my vote of confidence.
My sweet Kai I must apologize I was so wrong about you - There is hope for you yet
Zeph you are the rational heart in this menagerie of misery - please continue to guard them
Lastly Aflora
Follow your heart it hasn't led you astray yet. I know it hurts at times but you got this
Puzzles are your thing 😇
How this series can get more intense - more on the edge of your seat
IDK
I can say with all surety that this should be on every dark fantasy lovers list of must reads!
#MidnightFaeAcademy #RH #paranormal #romance #kindleunlimited #lexicfoss
Midnight Fae Academy: Book Three by Lexi C. FossDescription:
Retribution.
Reformation.
Two sides of a revolution, both vying for my allegiance.
Well, I pick neither side.
Our Thoughts 💭:
Burning Thwomps!!!My heart is racing My mind spinning!
Chit, what a ride!
"Retribution requires sacrifice"
The ultimate in this case -
It is a bit like the butterfly effect
Before I go further if you're here I am going to assume you have already read the first two books in this series.
If you haven't...
Off you go! Don't want to spoil anything for you and trust me this is one adventure you won't want to miss.
So back to my racing heart-
Holy cow I can't believe what just happened!
I thought they were playing a dangerous game before
I knew some of the key antagonists from the previous books but there is a new player or maybe just an old one (or two or three) that I failed to see?
The game just took a much darker turn
Be prepared for some heart-shattering moments
brought on by twisted acts of greed
followed up by moments of hope
only to be crushed again under a fiery veil of darkness
I knew Shade got the short straw but here?
Heart cracked -
River of tears flowing with sorrow.
I wanted to grab him and hide him.
Erase the ghosts of the lives he had suffered through
And Kol's - I don't have words for the brutal betrayals you are about to face but I will say you have my vote of confidence.
My sweet Kai I must apologize I was so wrong about you - There is hope for you yet
Zeph you are the rational heart in this menagerie of misery - please continue to guard them
Lastly Aflora
Follow your heart it hasn't led you astray yet. I know it hurts at times but you got this
Puzzles are your thing 😇
How this series can get more intense - more on the edge of your seat
IDK
I can say with all surety that this should be on every dark fantasy lovers list of must reads!
#MidnightFaeAcademy #RH #paranormal #romance #kindleunlimited #lexicfoss
Amazon
He Sees You When You're Sleeping by Sara Dobie Bauer
Don't let anyone spoil this for you!!!!
I'm serious!
The twists
The "OMG" moments
Its a Happily ever after (I guess that depends on which character you are but whatever) Horror Holiday Romance
Young Jack is flickering (this word is important) with his belief in St. Nick
His life has been one brutal beatdown after another -
an addict for a mother
shuffled into a foster system that offers no safety
Still, he holds a small hope inside that there is something more in store for him someday.
Until then he will protect those he can
Hang on kiddo there is still a little magic left and it has your name on it.
I can't describe this and do it justice.
It's not a normal holiday romance.
There are so many possibilities? with the direction of the storyline
(That will make sense after you read Nick's story)
Idk
Just trust in the magic and take a chance
Oh and before I forget there is some violence, some mean people, some smexy moments, and a wraith who may just surprise you.
He Sees You When You're Sleeping by Sara Dobie BauerDescription:
We met when you were just a child, but you’re a man now and need my protection.
With Christmas Eve approaching, I’ll watch over you.
Whether you know it or not.
Because no one is allowed to hurt you.
No one but me.
Our Thoughts 💭:
No spoilers!!Don't let anyone spoil this for you!!!!
I'm serious!
The twists
The "OMG" moments
Its a Happily ever after (I guess that depends on which character you are but whatever) Horror Holiday Romance
Young Jack is flickering (this word is important) with his belief in St. Nick
His life has been one brutal beatdown after another -
an addict for a mother
shuffled into a foster system that offers no safety
Still, he holds a small hope inside that there is something more in store for him someday.
Until then he will protect those he can
Hang on kiddo there is still a little magic left and it has your name on it.
I can't describe this and do it justice.
It's not a normal holiday romance.
There are so many possibilities? with the direction of the storyline
(That will make sense after you read Nick's story)
Idk
Just trust in the magic and take a chance
Oh and before I forget there is some violence, some mean people, some smexy moments, and a wraith who may just surprise you.
#heseesyouwhenyou'resleeping #DarkFantasy #GayInterest #Holiday #Horror #LGBTRomance #ShortStories #kindleunlimited #saradobiebauer
Amazon
Sleigh Bride by Xavier Neal
That saying about big things and small packages?
That was Sleigh Bride
I was laughing so hard
Da’Nika would definitely be my BFF her brain to mouth filter is a touch broken add-in Lark the big teddy bear of a man that he was and you have the perfect mix for a holiday miracle
They have been best friends since she wandered into his cafe so when Lark asks her for a favor to play his fiance she was all in
But we all know what happens when we get a taste of something really yummy
Even though this was novella-length I easily found myself attached to the cast - despite not having a lot of background or all the answers I normally dig for - this was perfect for their story
It was all the holiday sappy but without being overly sweet ( if that makes sense 🍥)
I am actually going to explore the other books in the Mistletoe Montana universe because yes I dropped in on this collection here
#sleighbride #mistletoemontana #holidayromance #romanticcomedy #kindleunlimited #xavierneal
Sleigh Bride by Xavier NealDescription:
Sleigh Bride is a short, sweet, laugh-out-loud romantic comedy that’s jam packed with all new characters, all the cheer, and all the Christmas cookies you need to put a smile on your face this holiday season
Our Thoughts 💭:
"Oh yay. A holiday interrogation sponsored by Hallmark."That saying about big things and small packages?
That was Sleigh Bride
I was laughing so hard
Da’Nika would definitely be my BFF her brain to mouth filter is a touch broken add-in Lark the big teddy bear of a man that he was and you have the perfect mix for a holiday miracle
They have been best friends since she wandered into his cafe so when Lark asks her for a favor to play his fiance she was all in
But we all know what happens when we get a taste of something really yummy
Even though this was novella-length I easily found myself attached to the cast - despite not having a lot of background or all the answers I normally dig for - this was perfect for their story
It was all the holiday sappy but without being overly sweet ( if that makes sense 🍥)
I am actually going to explore the other books in the Mistletoe Montana universe because yes I dropped in on this collection here
#sleighbride #mistletoemontana #holidayromance #romanticcomedy #kindleunlimited #xavierneal
On Twitter:
@AuthorDelaney @CRRobertson1 @LexiCFoss @saradobie @XavierNeal87
On Instagram:
@author.delaney.foster @crrobertsonauthor @lexicfoss @saradobiebauer @authorxavierneal
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